Leavesden school boy stars on TV talent show (From Watford Observer)

Leavesden school boy, Jay Borthwick, stars on TV talent show, Got to Dance with his act, ‘M.A.D’

5:00pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

Umbrellas appearing out of nowhere, robotic dancing and 48 metres of paper are just some of the tricks up Leavesden school boy, Jay Borthwick’s, sleeve after he experienced his 15 minutes of fame at the weekend.

The 14-year-old who goes to the Francis Combe Academy, auditioned on TV talent show, Got to Dance, on Sunday evening (January 6) with his unique dancing and magic act, ‘M.A.D’ in his bid for stardom.

The aspiring performer, who lives in Hunton Lane, says his act which includes tricks where 48 metres of paper appears from his mouth and flowers disappear, is inspired by music superstar, Michael Jackson and British magician and comedian, Tommy Cooper.

Jay, who wears a black suit and mask during his act, said: "I have been performing since I was twelve and decided to combine dancing, magic and music because I enjoy all three.

"Auditioning for Got to Dance was really exciting and the judges were really friendly. I have watched the show on the TV before and thought it would be nice to give it a go.

"Before the auditions I practised nearly every night and it was really hard to squeeze everything in.

"It was worth it though."

Jay originally became interested in dancing after going to a summer camp three years ago, which included a singing, music and dancing course.

He had to pick one of the arts to showcase to parents and decided on dance because he struggled to read the script and music because he is dyslexic.

Despite not getting through to the next stage of the Sky TV talent competition Jay remains optimistic and said he will continue to perform in front of family and friends in a gazebo in his back garden.

His parents decided to erect the Gazebo because of Jay’s love of performing. He likes to call the gazebo his theatre, which is adorned with chairs and draped walls, and has seen around 25 shows.

He said: "I sometimes perform my act at school and my friends call me Dynamo because I am performing loads of different things.

"I just love to perform and I think my act stands out because it is out of the ordinary."